What the numbers say
With 42,740 Project Management Specialists employed in the Washington, D.C. metro, this is one of the largest concentrations of the role in the country. The median annual wage was $123,670 in 2024, about 20% above the DC median of $103,190 and roughly 22% above the national figure of $100,946.
The gap between the average ($126,690) and the median ($123,670) is relatively small, around $3,000. That tells us the wage distribution here is fairly even. High earners at the top are not pulling the average up by much, which is unusual for a major metro.
The spread from the 10th to the 90th percentile runs from $73,180 to $186,380. Top earners make about 2.5 times what those at the entry end do. That range is wide, and it reflects how differently this role is valued across the region's employer mix: federal contractors, government agencies, nonprofits, and consulting firms all hire Project Management Specialists, and they pay on very different scales.
The 75th percentile sits at $163,400, a jump of roughly $40,000 over the median. That step from the middle to the upper tier is steeper than what we see for this occupation in most other metros, and it suggests a meaningful reward for experience or the right credentials once someone clears the midpoint.
Salary distribution
Where Washington, D.C. project management specialists fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $95,150 and $163,550, with a median of $127,030.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
Less than 5 years
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
Common tasks (O*NET)
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Explore coursesFrequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Project Management Specialists in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Project Management Specialists in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is $127,030.
- Does Washington, D.C. pay more than the District of Columbia state average for Project Management Specialists?
- The Washington, D.C. metro median is +21.1% versus the District of Columbia state median of $104,900.
- How does Washington, D.C. compare to the national median for Project Management Specialists?
- The Washington, D.C. metro median is +21.0% versus the BLS national figure of $104,968.
- What is the salary range for Project Management Specialists in Washington, D.C.?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $74,110 and the 90th-percentile at $192,450 for the Washington, D.C. metro area.
- What education is required for Project Management Specialists?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Washington, D.C. CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.